On a night that saw several changes to the Nets' rotation, another new face stepped onto the court at Barclays Center.
Tosan Ebbuomwan made his Nets debut in Saturday's 123-94 loss to the 76ers as the Nets suffered multiple injuries before tipoff.
The Newcastle, England native is off to a whirlwind start to 2025 after signing a two-way contract on January 1st. Three days later, the 23-year-old was eligible for NBA minutes.
Ebbu-om-One is also part of an ever-changing group that has seen a lot of trade activity during the rebuilding season.
“This is what I work for, this kind of opportunity,” Ebbuomwan said of the situation after the loss. “Again, I'm really happy to be back here. So whatever it is, whatever comes with it, I'm ready to take it squarely and attack. Overall, I'm here. We're new here, but the team spirit is high. Like I said, it's important to compete. It's important to talk things through as a team and take it one game at a time.”
Ebbuomwan arrived in Brooklyn on Friday after a big night in which he scored 39 points in a win over the Long Island Nets.
The next day at the NBA club, he recorded 3 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 block in 20 minutes.
“I'm really happy to have the opportunity,” Ebbuomwan said. “Of course I wanted to win the game, but I couldn't. But I'm happy to be here and see everyone for the first time.”
The 6-foot-8 small forward's experience is primarily in the G League.
But he played in 17 NBA games, including eight starts between the Pistons and Grizzlies during his rookie season last year, averaging 5.9 points in 21.6 minutes.
This year, he played in 16 games in the Tipoff Tournament with the San Diego Clippers of the G League, averaging 18.4 points in 32.6 minutes and shooting 51.9 percent from the field.
During the regular season, Evbuomwan appeared in three games against San Diego and Long Island, averaging 28.7 points.
“[I] “I was able to play in the NBA last year as well,” he said. “So, I've been here before. Like I said, it's important to stay confident up to this stage. …Obviously, the stage has gotten bigger, but other than that… Not much has changed. It's still basketball.”
Ebbuomwan went undrafted out of Princeton University, but won the Ivy League Player of the Year award as a junior and led his team to a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament as a senior.
He describes himself as a “versatile player on both ends.” With forwards Cam Johnson (ankle) and Trendon Watford (left hamstring) injured, Ebbuomwan could continue to spend time in Brooklyn.
Reese Beekman, who joined the Nets from the Warriors in the Dennis Schroder trade, had a solid game against the 76ers. Head coach Jordi Fernandes praised his defensive ability.
“Since my university days, [Virginia]his ability to create turnovers and deflections and put pressure on the ball. I really like the way he keeps his chest in front of the ball and is definitely a big fan of putting pressure on the ball. By doing so, you can win a lot of NBA games. … I'm happy with his play. ”
The 23-year-old point guard scored seven points on 3-of-4 shooting from the field and also added a steal and a block.
D'Angelo Russell (right shin contusion) is doubtful for Monday's game against the Pacers.
The point guard was injured during the second quarter of the Nets' loss to the 76ers on Saturday night.
Ben Simmons is also listed as questionable due to left calf soreness and hip injury management. He felt discomfort in his calf during warm-ups and suffered a scratch late on Saturday.
